HIGHLIGHT

PLACES AND MONUMENTS

The Grand Hotel Plaza is located near to the main monuments of the Eternal City, including the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Castel Sant'Angelo (in the picture) etc.Thanks to this privileged position, a short walk can be the best way to see some of the main places of great historic and artistic value at your leisure.

The Vatican and Sistine Chapel

The Vatican is the official residence of the Pope and an independent sovereign state.

Once there you can also take the opportunity to visit the Vatican Museums and the famous Sistine Chapel.

A visit to the Basilica di San Pietro is also highly recommended. According to Christian tradition, it was built on the tomb of Saint Peter, which is located inside the Vatican Grottoes.

Sistine Chapel - Opening Times:

From Monday to Saturday:Entry 09:00 – 16:00Exit 18:00 (N.B. the rooms must be exited half an hour before closing)

Sunday, except the last Sunday of each month (with Free Entry 9:00 - 12:30 Closing 14:00), excluding Easter Sunday, 29 June, 25 or 26 December January 1, 6 February 11 March 19 May 1 June 29 August 15, 16 November 1 December 8, 25, 26

Vatican Museums

Opening Times:

March /October 08:45-16:45 November/February 08:45-13:45 Closed Sundays (open the last Sunday of the month)

Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura

Via Ostiense 186, Rome

Built on what is believed to be Saint Paul’s burial site.

Rome’s second biggest Basilica.

Rebuilt in the 1800s, after being partly destroyed by a fire.

Opening Times:Summer: 07:00-19:00 in winter: 07:00-18:00Free Entry

Catacombs of San Callisto

Christian symbols, III century

Catacombs of San Callisto, Via Appia Antica 126, Rome

The Catacombs reflect an important part of Rome’s history, and were the burial site for 15 Christian Popes and martyrs, from the 3rd century AD.

The Catacombs extend over four levels and corridors with a total length of 12 miles.

The areas open to the public highlight the Crypt of Saint Cecilia and the Papal Crypt.

Opening Times: From Thursday to Tuesday 09:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00 Closed all February

Circus Maximus

Via del Circo Massimo, Rome

Situated between the Palatine and Aventine hills, the Circus Maximus was Rome’s largest circus and was dedicated to horse racing.

THEATRES AND EVENTS

Rome has a wide variety of entertainment on offer that can satisfy the most varied tastes.From June to September the Estate Romana (Roman Summer) season takes place: almost all the events take place outside, and include opera, theatre, dance, clubs and concerts, adding extra atmosphere to the show.

Opera and Classical Music

Opera tickets are generally on sale well in advance because of the high demand.

Evening dress is recommended for these events.

Auditorium Parco della Musica

V.le Pietro de Coubertin, Rome

Designed by Renzo Piano, it is one of Europe’s largest auditoria.

It hosts a series of concerts ranging from classical music to opera and is also home to the National Academy of Saint Cecilia.

The Opera House

P.zza Gigli, Rome

The Opera House has its own orchestra and dance company. The seats are in boxes and it is a good idea to arrive at least half an hour before the start of the performance.

CHILDREN

Opening Times: Visits have a set duration of one hour and 45 minutes: From Monday to Friday: 09:30, 11:30, 15:00, 17:00

Saturday and Sunday, national holidays, July and September: 10:00, 12:00, 15:00, 17:00

August: 12:00, 15:00, 17:00.

Bioparco (Rome’s Zoo) and Villa Borghese

P.le del Giardino Zoologico, Villa Borghese, Rome

Located in Villa Borghese, the Bioparco contains 198 species, some of which are very rare.

Like the zoo, Villa Borghese is also a perfect place (and one of the few green spaces in the city) for children to run around and have fun.

Opening Times: From 28 October to 29 March: 09:30-17:00 From 30 March to 26 October: 09:30-18:00 Saturday, Sunday and national holidays and from 20 April to 28 September: 09:30-19:00.

SHOPPING

Haute couture

If you are looking for a haut couture dress, the area of greatest interest to you will be that around Piazza di Spagna, where the Grand Hotel Plaza is located. The shops are an attraction in their own right because of their elegant and unique windows.

Via Condotti this street features the first fashion house of Valentino and Bulgari, Cartier and Hermes, among others.

Via Borgognona here you can find Fendi, famous for its bags and fine leather work.

Via Frattina this is where you can find Tiffany, the famous New York jeweller, and Versace, for international high fashion.